Newborn Baby Sleep Basics

A newborn baby sleeps for an average of 18 hours in a day. Therefore, keeping it from developing sleep related problems is of utmost importance. One of the best strategies to keep newborn babies healthy is by establishing a regular and healthy sleeping pattern right from the beginning. Every baby has a unique sleeping habit and therefore, each may differ from another.

Number of Naps to be Taken by Newborn Babies/Day

During the first few weeks after birth, there is no way you can develop a sleeping schedule for your baby. During the initial stages, newborn babies sleep for two to four hours at a stretch. During the first month after birth, make sure that you let your baby sleep as much as it wants without waking it up to feed. Once your baby has turned three or four months old, you may work towards establishing a sleeping pattern. At three or four months, the baby is likely to adapt to a new sleeping pattern quicker than later.

At about 6 months, the baby may take two to three naps during the day i.e. once in the morning followed by one later in the evening. During six to eight months after birth, the baby is likely to sleep for longer durations at night and take two or more naps during the day.

Once your baby turns nine months old, it will start taking only two naps per day. This pattern is likely to continue until the baby turns one year old. This pattern, however, is likely to differ from one baby to another. While some babies take two naps during the day, others may not sleep in the morning.

Developing Sleep Schedule of your Baby

You may develop a sleep schedule for your baby by observing its sleeping pattern every day. Take a look at these tips to plan an ideal sleep schedule for your baby.

Know the Sleep Signs

The first step to scheduling your baby's sleep is knowing what it does when it is sleepy. Most newborn babies rub their eyes, yawn and become restless when they want to be put to sleep. Some babies even start screaming or get fussy.

Follow a Strict Schedule

To make sure that your baby establishes a regular sleeping routine, ensure that you put it to sleep at the same time every day. If you keep changing the sleep timings, the baby will find it difficult to adjust to a particular pattern.